Artificial reefs can drastically improve local ecosystem’s chances of survival, but the risks must be weighed against the massive benefits.
Creating artificial reefs gives marine life a second chance at thriving. With the recent decision to purposefully sink a world-famous cruise ship, turning it into a man-made reef, the idea has created high expectations as it grows in popularity.
At one time the world’s fastest trans-Atlantic ocean liner, the SS United States is set to become the biggest artificial reef once it is sunk in the Gulf of Mexico. The ship, which at one time carried millions of passengers across the ocean, will become a new home for marine life, as well as an attraction for tourists with the potential to generate millions of dollars for the local economy.
Artificial reefs are man-made structures placed on the sea bed in order to enhance marine life, providing shelter and food for inhabitants in the area. Moving in this direction, many are confident that the current ocean life can be preserved. However, as popular among their designers as these reefs are, the structures provoke scepticism among some scientists, who believe that it doesn’t properly tackle oceanic extinctions, instead offering only a temporary solution.
Chief among the concerns surrounding artificial reefs is the fact that if they are not necessarily designed with the consideration of the local marine environment, they can cause damage to the oceanic ecosystem. Sinking ships or similar structures can potentially harm the state of the seafloor and its sensitive inhabitants. Inadequately prepared structures emit toxins like metal and oil into the water, threatening pollution of marine lives. Artificially designed coral, if not maintained properly, damages pre-existing structures. This is often the case because limestone, a common material in artificial reefs, can reduce water transparency, limiting sunlight—a crucial resource for local habitats that rely on it for sustenance.
While valid scientific concerns cast doubt on artificial reefs, it would be unfair to overlook the tangible benefits they offer. Looking towards the positives, there are several reasons why artificial reefs are worth time and investment. From eco-development and fisheries to coastal protection and tourism – these examples show that while the idea of artificial reefs might sound controversial to many scientists, it has undeniably beneficial qualities and, among many options, can be a contender to solving threats to the ocean habitat
Crucially, artificial reefs breed biodiversity. This is through a combination of creating new populations and extending the lives of old ones, preventing species from going extinct. Locating artificial corals near the shoreline also prevents coastal erosion and protects marine life by disrupting winds and currents. By constructing a reef several hundred metres offshore, waves break earlier, reaching the coast with less force. This directly reduces the levels of coastal erosion, as well as improves safety for swimmers and surfers.
Sustainable aquaculture, according to the OSPAR Commission, “Supports a host of economically and culturally important maritime industries”, as well as acting as a control for climate regulation. Apart from the fishery industries enlarging their capital, it also helps create more jobs for the businesses in the sea area.
More so, stimulating the reproduction of marine species enables marine biologists to study marine organisms, leading in detail to discoveries, enriching their knowledge of the marine creatures while maintaining the health of the reef ecosystem.
Instead of diving in naturally created areas, where the damage to the ecosystem is uncontrollable and can be irreversible, artificial structures are lower-risk alternatives. It is likely that the sinking of the cruiser ship will become a popular diving destination and will attract many divers from all over the world. They also expand local tourism and attract explorers from abroad, boosting local economies and promoting sightseeing. With significant net positives, artificial reefs are seen as an innovation worth spending money on.
